2011/03/08

Saudi Arabia: To Free 25 Shiites Detained During Protests

Authorities started releasing about 25 Shiites detained last week during protests after community leaders met King Abdullah and other officials, activists said March 8, Reuters reported. Shiite community leaders met the king and the governor of the Eastern province March 8 seeking the release of Shiites detained for participating in protests in the east. The head of the Human Rights First Society said the prisoners will be released today, adding that some are already with their families. Interior ministry officials could not be reached for comment. State news agency SPA said only that the king had met tribal chiefs, clerics and military officials from Qatif.